For students who hold a current California LVN license, earning a BS in Nursing will provide you with many new career opportunities. With an emphasis on student and patient wholeness, the LVN to BS track will prepare you for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Loma Linda University’s School of Nursing has excellent classroom facilities and a fully equipped computer lab to provide you with a quality learning experience while earning your Bachelor’s degree.

To view our NCLEX pass rate please click here.

Prerequisite Courses

All students are required to complete the following pre-requisite courses before transferring to Loma Linda University School of Nursing.  Students can have courses in progress while they are applying, as long as they will be complete before the program begins.

Pre-requisite Quarter Units Semester Units
College Algebra or Statistics 4 3
Anatomy & Physiology I with lab 4 3
Anatomy & Physiology II with lab 4 3
Introduction to Organic Chemistry 4 3
Introduction to Biochemistry 4 3
Medical Microbiology 5 4
Public Speaking 4 3
English (full sequence) 9 6
General Psychology 4 3
Developmental Psychology 4 3
Introduction to Sociology 4 3
Physical Education 2 activity courses 2 activity courses
Humanities 16 11
Nutrition 4 3

English Composition (full sequence) – This is typically one full year (3 Quarters or 2 Semesters) of composition

Humanities (16 units) – Students must take courses in three different areas.  Areas include:

  • Foreign Language
  • Applied Art or Music
  • Introduction or Art or Music
  • Literature
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Logic
  • Religion

For information regarding which course to take at your college or university, please refer to our Transfer Patterns.

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum college cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0
  • All prerequisites with a “C” or better
  • Application with personal statement
  • Official transcripts from all college credits
  • Pre-entrance exams (TEAS & Critical Thinking)
  • Three letters of recommendation (2 from instructors)
  • Completion of HS or equivalent 
  • Please note, not all applicants who meet the minimum admissions requirements will be invited to interview.

All documents above MUST be received by the program deadline date in order to be considered for enrollment.

Deadlines

Application Quarter Deadline to Submit Application Deadline for Application Documents
Winter 2025 July 1, 2024 Aug 1, 2024
Spring 2025 Oct 1, 2024 Nov 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Feb 1, 2025 Mar 1, 2025

Deadline to Submit Application:  This is the deadline to officially submit and complete your payment for the application.

Deadline for Application Documents and Requirements:  This is the deadline for all application items including successfully completing TEAS testing (minimum score 66,) Critical Thinking testing (minimum score 13,) 3 Letters of Recommendation received, all Official Transcripts received (including AP scores from College Board and all schools attended – even if courses taken are not for Nursing prerequisites.)

Recommended: It is recommended that applicants obtain volunteer or work experience in a hospital/clinical setting.

Sample Curriculum

A sample of the regular curriculum plan for the BS in Nursing program.

LVN to BS in Nursing Curriculum Plan Sample

Cost of Attendance

View Expected Cost of Attendance Here

Scholarship Opportunities

HRSA

Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program and a Nursing Scholarship Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program and a Nursing Scholarship Program.  For information on loan repayment assistance and scholarships through the government, please visit the HRSA website.

International Students

Students coming from countries other than the United States are required to pay an $8,000 deposit which is applied to the final quarter’s tuition and charges.

Scholarships & Awards

Students can apply for scholarships after they have been in the program for one full quarter.  There are many different scholarships available each quarter.  Scholarship amounts typically range from $500 - $3,000.  Students can apply for scholarships every quarter.

Student Awards

Awards for excellence in nursing, scholastic attainment, and leadership ability are made available to students whose performance and attitudes reflect well the ideals and purposes of the School. Selection of students is based on the recommendation of the faculty to the dean.

Lucile Lewis Award

This award is presented annually to a junior student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical and academic performance in nursing practice.

RNBS Award

This award is presented to the senior registered nurse student who has demonstrated exceptional competence in scholarship and in the clinical practice of nursing.

Dean's Award

The Dean's Award, established in 1971, is given to an outstanding student in each program on the basis of the student's demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and to the objectives of the School.

President's Award

The President's Award, established in 1960, is made annually in recognition of superior scholastic attainment and active participation in the student community, within the framework of Christian commitment. One recipient is selected from each school of the University.

Non-Degree Program for Foreign Graduates

Do you offer non-degree courses to help me complete my BRN requirements?

Yes

How do I sign up for these courses?

We are now accepting applications. To apply, you must send the following two documents to BRNwaitlist@llu.edu:

  1. BRN letter listing classes needed to meet deficiencies; ex: MS, OB, etc
  2. Current job resume including RN licenses in other states and work history.

What happens after I send in my documentation?

Once we receive BOTH documents, we will put you on the wait list for future vacancies.  All notifications for class openings are sent via email. No phone calls are made.

Accreditations

Loma Linda University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Baccalaureate graduates are prepared for registration by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing. The California State Board has approved all programs offered at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing. At the time of graduation, students become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. Many states may offer a compact license to individuals already licensed in California. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please contact your program director. Students who decide to pursue a registered nursing license in another state should check with the applicable licensing authority in that state

The BS, MS, and DNP Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Pre-Admission Testing
Learn more about TEAS and Critical Thinking tests
Transfer Patterns
Find out which courses match our pre-requisites at many of the local colleges and universities
Transfer Students Policy
Nursing Transfer Students Admissions Policy
Request Contact
Add your name to our mailing list
Open Fact Sheet
Print a PDF with information regarding pre-requisites, admission requirements, and deadlines
Military Admissions Policy
Military Trained Personnel Admissions Policy